You’re considering a career change. How do you know if it’s the right move?

A very wise executive once gave me this advice: Don't run away from your current situation, run towards what you truly want to do. Easier said than done, of course, especially if you don't have that north star some people do, like me. But, that's where taking some risks comes in. Find something that interests you, consider the long term viability, and then go for it.

We all need to become more comfortable with pivoting in our careers. I did that 4 times in my career and each time it was scary but once in the new role or sector I was always glad I had the guts to take the leap. It can be easier to remain in a familiar groove than take on the new and more challenging. For me what always drove the decision was a need to continue growing and needing to be additive and challenged. What made those decisions easier over time was learning to trust one’s gut - especially in owning if the present role was taking more from you than it gave in terms of nurture, satisfaction and growth AND if truly not feasible to reshape the role one needs to find it elsewhere. Potentially requiring a move or change of career.

Ask yourself if the opportunity is in line with your "Ikigai" (purpose and aspirations). Let the change reason not be to run away from one problem to another but chasing your dreams. Trust yourself and make a decision for you and not for others.

When thinking about a career change, ask yourself: Does it align with my long-term goals and values? Do my skills and interests match the new field? Have I researched the opportunities and challenges? Seeking advice from mentors can also provide valuable insights. Trust your intuition and make a well-informed decision.

To determine if a career change is the right move, consider factors such as your passion and interests, skills and strengths, values and goals, job market trends, potential for growth and advancement, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. Conduct thorough research, seek advice from trusted mentors or career counselors, and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice to gauge if the change aligns with your long-term aspirations and will lead to greater fulfillment and success in the future.

Embark on an exploration journey with an open mind and a curious heart. Utilize LinkedIn to forge connections with professionals across various industries, gaining firsthand insights into the realities of roles that intrigue you. Participate actively in webinars and workshops to immerse yourself in potential new fields, and don't shy away from reaching out for informational interviews with mentors and industry veterans. These conversations can unveil the intricacies of different career paths, helping you to gauge the alignment with your personal and professional aspirations. Your proactive exploration will illuminate the path forward, revealing both challenges and opportunities.

This comes up a lot in ADHD Coaching. When considering a change, I always recommend that clients start with the Kolbe-A Index, a survey that helps to identify natural strengths/instincts you were born with and how you can use them to be the most productive, stress-free version of yourself. Maybe your current work just needs a make-over, and the Kolbe Index can help in that regard. I also recommend the VIA Character Strengths survey. This was designed by Martin Seligman, PhD. (Father of applied positive psychology), and associates. This helps identify our core strengths and how to use them. The Myers-Briggs is actually decent at predicting career options as well. These tools can really help in the exploration phase.

Make a plan identify transferable skills Analyze your new career Research industries and jobs Learn new skills assess your current career

The question you should first ask yourself is; do you love doing it? First leave the money part because this is where many people measure their reasons and they all go wrong from here. If you love doing it even if it pays little, then that’s the right choice. Your mental health comes first before anything else and if this work provides you an environment to exploit all your skills for human service with love and passion. That’s your career. Take it and do your best. I can also refer the readers to the book by Robin Sharma, “A leader who had no title.” It will give further information about what it means to “love what you do and give it your all.”

Accessibility to information has transformed the landscape of career exploration. Traditional barriers, like the need for physical resources, have been replaced by the immediacy of digital knowledge. Platforms such as Google, YouTube, and Udemy have become invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their expertise or pivot into new areas. These tools empower individuals to refine their search and focus on content that not only enhances their skill set but also aligns with their career aspirations.

Just like with any business investment, it’s all about comparing the financial ROI you get for the time and resources invested. Now, if it’s a close call (say $2,000 a year difference), then other factors like how learning curve, current interests, work-life balance, and personal fit come in. But if there’s a big difference in financial ROI for a similar amount of time invested, take the money. At least for a year.

Utilize a decision matrix to methodically evaluate your career options. Create a table listing your alternatives against factors like job satisfaction, income potential, and alignment with long-term goals. Assign a weight to each factor based on its importance to you, and rate each career option accordingly. This visual comparison aids in objectively identifying the path that best suits your aspirations and values. Don't hesitate to adjust the weights as your priorities evolve throughout this process.

If you have job satisfaction and mental peace, i think you should not worry about changing your job.Learning opportunity also matters. Should spend at least a minimum of 3 years in an organisation if work culture is good

Combining the Urgent Important Matrix with a decision matrix simplifies career change decisions by evaluating options against critical factors like fit, impact, and risk, while prioritizing long-term, valuable activities like skill development. This approach ensures focused and effective career progression. The decision matrix allows for an organized evaluation of options based on key factors like personal compatibility, financial implications, market trends, learning requirements, and risk. The Urgent Important Matrix further refines this process by optimizing how time is spent, emphasizing the significance of dedicating efforts to essential but not immediately pressing tasks, such as enhancing skills and expanding professional networks.

Na verdade eu concordo com a abordagem, pois o factor comparativo ajuda bastante no processo de escolha. Fazer uma lista de Prós e Contras pode ajudar a tomar uma escolha mais acertiva.

The decision to take on a new role or opportunity should be one made with your family as the new role or opportunity may have an impact on them.

Before taking the leap, dip your toes into the waters of your chosen field. Seek out part-time roles, volunteer opportunities, or project-based work to gain practical experience. Online platforms offer a plethora of courses and workshops designed to simulate real-world scenarios in various industries. If you're constrained by time or resources, consider virtual shadowing or micro-internships that offer a glimpse into your future role with minimal commitment. This phase is about validating your passion and aptitude for your new career, ensuring it's a fit not just in theory but in practice.

Before choosing a new career, it's wise to try out your desired role in a basic capacity. For example, if you're interested in web development, volunteer to create a website for a relative's small business, like a barber shop, that lacks an online presence. This offers practical experience and a chance to contribute meaningfully. Such hands-on involvement helps you evaluate your interest and skills in the field, understand real-world challenges, and appreciate the positive difference you can make. This practical engagement can be both rewarding and affirming, solidifying your career decision.

I have exposed many opportunities: from banks, factory, etc... to get chances, attend workshops for validate. This will help you to less negative during difficult times. As putting into 1 basket of industry is quite dangerous, and having fun time during waiting for a suitable job, is worthy your time

Nunca es tarde para empezar de nuevo, eso es muy importante ya que siempre encontraremos comentarios de todo tipo que nos van a desanimar. Si realmente sabemos que necesitamos un cambio entonces hay que comenzar a trabajar por ese cambio, formándonos, obteniendo experiencia, conociendo personas que nos acerquen un poco más al área que nos interesa.

When shifting careers, recognize that while your previous experience is valuable and will differentiate you, you'll likely start from the beginning. Embrace each step as progress, whether it's completing volunteer work, securing an internship, or achieving a minor promotion. These milestones are crucial in building your new career. Professional experience encompasses not just technical knowledge but also cultural understanding of your new field, acquired over time through daily interactions with peers. Remember, every small step forward is a part of the journey toward standing out in your new career.

Plan out your first 90 days in the role (adjusting to a new team, new responsibilities, new corporate culture) and set some goals.

é importante reconhecer que a cada mudan?a ou promo??o, você é promovido ao próximo nível de desafios. Esteja preparado para o recome?o e para dedicar tempo e energia ao aprendizado e desenvolvimento. Estude, aprenda e ganhe experiência, pois é nesse processo que você encontrará sua maior fonte de crescimento. Dedique-se a refinar seus novos conhecimentos e aprimorar suas habilidades.

With a clear decision in hand, it's time to craft a detailed action plan. Break down your career transition into manageable steps, setting SMART goals for each phase. Utilize digital tools like Trello or Asana to track your progress and stay organized. Identify resources, courses, or certifications that will bridge any skill gaps. Remember, resilience is key; setbacks are part of the journey. Celebrate small victories to maintain motivation and keep your eyes on the prize.

Evaluate your motivations for the change. If you're seeking growth, aligning with your passions, or addressing dissatisfaction, it may be the right move. Research the new field, talk to professionals, and assess your skills to ensure a good fit. Consider potential challenges and be realistic about the learning curve. Reflect on your long-term goals and whether the change aligns with them. Seek advice from mentors or career counselors for additional perspectives. Ultimately, if the change aligns with your values and brings excitement, it's likely the right move.

Embrace the fluidity of your career journey, remaining adaptable and receptive to new information and experiences. Regular feedback from peers and mentors is invaluable, offering fresh perspectives and insights to refine your approach. Reflect on your progress, acknowledging both successes and setbacks as opportunities for growth. This iterative process of action, feedback, and adjustment is the hallmark of a resilient professional. Stay committed to your path, knowing that each step forward is a step toward your ultimate career goals.

Ao permanecer aberto a novas experiências e feedbacks, podemos refinar nossa estratégia e nos tornar mais resilientes diante dos desafios que surgem. A mudan?a de carreira é uma jornada desafiadora, mas também gratificante, e é através do ajuste e da melhoria contínuos que podemos alcan?ar nossos objetivos e realizar nosso potencial pleno.

When you face a major "Black Swan" - event there is no plan or tool at your disposal to resort to. You just have to remain focused and determined to find your way forward. My account/profile at LUT University has been hacked and hijacked. I am a victim of identity theft and the university does not even admit this fact. They have been keeping me for over ten years in the dark. I will find the way out.

You will never be 100% sure whether something is the right move or not, however, you can mitigate the pitfalls and blinds spots. Speak to people in the industry, hire a coach and work through all your concerns and mental blocks.

When making career decisions, act with sufficient data without waiting for everything. Remember, choices can evolve, and there's no fixed timeline; what's right now may not be forever. Treat the decisions that do not seem to yeild the desired outcome as lessons and opportunities for improvement, rather than seeing them as mistakes. This mindset allows for continuous growth and adaptability.

The only constant is change...it will give you new challenges, turn you into a beginner, and you'd better be prepared to eat some humble pie. It's better to know you've tried with your best effort, versus kicking yourself for not even giving it a try.

As you navigate your career transition, remember to consider the broader impact on your life. Reflect on how this change will affect your work-life balance, personal relationships, and overall well-being. Consider the timing of your transition, mindful of the economic landscape and industry trends. Cultivate a support network of friends, family, and colleagues who can offer encouragement and advice. Above all, approach your career journey with patience and persistence, recognizing that meaningful change takes time. Your career is not just a series of jobs but a reflection of your life's work and passion.

Personalmente no me paso el plantearme cambiar de carrera, pero si considero importarte transmitir que lo que elijas te tiene que a pasar, te debe gustar hacerlo despierto, dormido con aminos o sin ánimos, eso que “no te moleste hacer” tu carrera debe ser el medio de perfección de tu propio hobby y al graduarte no pensar en una master, sino en cómo todas esas herramientas las haces tuyas propias y únicas !!Y divertirte con ellas haciendo dinero.